The Village of Flossmoor will soon have a new piece of equipment out on the streets.
The village board voted unanimously on Tuesday, July 6, to approve the purchase of a 2021 Vactor 2100i Combination Sewer Cleaner from Standard Equipment Company.
The cost of the cleaner is $428,420, but the village is to pay $358,920 following a trade-in of a 2011 Vactor Ramjet (J-02) valued at $69,500. That truck has a bad pump in need of replacement but otherwise is in good condition, according to a report from Public Works Director John Brunke.
The J-02 is only a sewer jetter and cannot perform hydro-excavating, Brunke explained. The new machine can also handle the latter, which has become needed with additional utility infrastructure in the area that creates complications with water main breaks or sewer collapses, Brunke explained.
The cost compares to roughly $40,000 a year the village has been spending to contract these services, Brunke added. Flossmoor also received a quote from EJ Equipment that Brunke called “financially favorable” at $391,106 for a combination sewer cleaner, or $340,106 after trade-in. But staff had concerns about that Vac-Con product, citing “mixed reviews” from other municipalities. Vactor is also located locally, in Streator, meaning more convenient service, Brunke said.
Army Corps of Engineers reduces budget for Berry Lane Drainage Improvements
The Village Board voted 6-0 as part of its consent agenda to approve a project partnering agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers to move on to the next steps of the Berry Lane Drainage Improvements project, including a public bid process.
Brunke noted in a report to the board that the budget for the project has been reduced by the Army Corps of Engineers because of “funding limitations.” Staff is trying to request additional Army Corps funding up to the original $2 million budget for the project, with construction expected to start in spring 2022.
The budget for the project currently calls for $1.3 million in work, with the village contributing 25%, or $325,000.
Ann Novoa introduced as new assistant finance director
Finance Director Scott Bordui introduced new Assistant Finance Director Ann Novoa to the village board and the community during the meeting.
Novoa comes to Flossmoor from the Village of Crestwood, where she served as the comptroller and finance director. A report from Bordui notes she has experience in auditing and insurance accounting. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University, as well as a master’s degree in accounting from Benedictine University.
Zoning Board vacancy filled
Mayor Michelle Nelson appointed Asherah Barnett to Flossmoor’s Zoning Board of Appeals to fill a vacancy. The Village Board voted 6-0 to approve the appointment.
The vacancy was left by Nelson after she was elected mayor.
“I’m so pleased to appoint a fellow female engineer to my position,” Nelson said, noting Barnett has lived in Flossmoor for 18 years, and is in charge of commercial and retail construction projects. “I think she’s going to be a huge asset to the board.”